Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya – A Historical and Spiritual Gem in Sri Lanka
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Tissamaharama district of the Southern Province, and is said to have been founded by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC.
History of the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya
The history of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is long and complex. The temple is said to have been founded by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC, and was originally built to house the Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
The temple was later destroyed by the Chola invaders in the 10th century, but was rebuilt by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The temple has been renovated several times over the centuries, and is currently undergoing a major restoration project.
The current restoration project at Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya began in 2017. The project is being funded by the Sri Lankan government and the Maha Bodhi Society. The goal of the project is to restore the temple to its former glory and make it a major tourist destination.
Things to Do and See
There are many things to see and do at Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya. The temple complex is home to a number of ancient buildings, including the dagoba, the vihara, and the moonstone. There is also a museum on the site that exhibits artifacts from the temple’s history.
Location
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is located in the Tissamaharama district of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. The temple is about 200 kilometers from the capital city of Colombo.
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How to reach
The easiest way to reach Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is by car. The temple is located on the A2 highway, which connects Colombo to Galle. There are also public buses that travel to Tissamaharama from Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka.
A number of private tour operators also offer day trips to Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya. These tours are a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation and have a guide to show you around the temple complex.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is during the dry season, which is from December to April. The weather is pleasant during this time, and there are fewer crowds.
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Entrance fee
The entrance fee to Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is 500 Sri Lankan rupees for adults and 250 Sri Lankan rupees for children.
Where to stay
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Our Sri Lanka tour packages offer the perfect way to explore this beautiful island. We have a variety of packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. We can also create a custom itinerary for you.
There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Tissamaharama. The prices vary depending on the standard of accommodation.
Nearby attractions
There are a number of other attractions near Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, including the Yala National Park, the Bundala National Park, Tissa Lake, Yatala Vehera and the Sithulpawwa Cave Temples.
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FAQs about Visiting Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya
What is Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya?
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple complex located in the town of Tissamaharama in Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the country, and is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century BC. The temple complex is home to a number of important Buddhist relics, including a dagoba (stupa) that is said to enshrine the remains of the Buddha’s tooth.
When is the best time to visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara?
The best time to visit Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
What are the opening hours of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya?
The temple complex is open to the public from 6am to 6pm, every day.
What should I wear when visiting Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya?
It is respectful to dress conservatively when visiting a Buddhist temple. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You should also remove your shoes before entering the temple.
What are the things to see and do at Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya?
The main attraction of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is the dagoba, which is a large stupa that is said to enshrine the remains of the Buddha’s tooth. Other important sights in the temple complex include the Bodhi tree, the monks’ quarters, and the library.
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